Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid analogs and methods of their use in treating dry eye disorders

ABSTRACT

Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid analogs and methods of their use in treating dry eye disorders are disclosed.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/694,537, filed Oct. 23, 2000, now abandoned,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications, U.S. Ser. No.60/164,386 filed Nov. 9, 1999; U.S. Ser. No. 60/164,369 filed Nov. 9,1999, and U.S. Ser. No. 60/164,371 filed Nov. 9, 1999.

The present invention is directed to compositions containinghydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid analogs and methods for their use intreating dry eye.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dry eye, also known generically as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is acommon ophthalmological disorder affecting millions of Americans eachyear (Schein et. al., Prevalence of dry eye among the elderly. AmericanJ. Ophthalmology, 124:723-738, (1997)). The condition is particularlywidespread among post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes followingthe cessation of fertility. Dry eye may afflict an individual withvarying severity. In mild cases, a patient may experience burning, afeeling of dryness, and persistent irritation such as is often caused bysmall bodies lodging between the eyelid and the eye surface. In severecases, vision may be substantially impaired. Other diseases, such asSjogren's disease and cicatricial pemphigoid manifest dry eyecomplications.

Although it appears that dry eye may result from a number of unrelatedpathogenic causes, all presentations of the complication share a commoneffect, that is the breakdown of the pre-ocular tear film, which resultsin dehydration of the exposed outer surface and many of the symptomsoutlined above (Lemp, Report of the Nation Eye Institute/IndustryWorkshop on Clinical Trials in Dry Eyes, The CLAO Journal, volume 21,number 4, pages 221-231 (1995)). Four events have been identified whichsingly or in combination are believed to result in the dry eyecondition: a) decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation;b) decreased conjunctival goblet-cell density; c) increased cornealdesquamation; and d) destabilization of the cornea-tear interface(Gilbard, Dry eye: pharmacological approaches, effects, and progress.The CLAO Journal, 22:141-145 (1996)). Another major problem is thedecreased mucin production by the conjunctival cells and/or cornealepithelial cells of mucin, which protects and lubricates the ocularsurface (Gipson and Inatomi, Mucin genes expressed by ocular surfaceepithelium. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 16:81-98 (1997)).

Practitioners have taken several approaches to the treatment of dry eye.One common approach has been to supplement and stabilize the ocular tearfilm using so-called artificial tears instilled throughout the day.Another approach has been the use of ocular inserts that provide a tearsubstitute or to stimulate endogenous tear production.

Examples of the tear substitution approach include the use of buffered,isotonic saline solutions, aqueous solutions containing water-solublepolymers that render the solutions more viscous and thus less easilyshed by the eye. Tear reconstitution is also attempted by providing oneor more components of the tear film such as phospholipids and oils.Examples of these treatment approaches are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,131,651 (Shah et al.), 4,370,325 (Packman), 4,409,205 (Shively),4,744,980 and 4,883,658 (Holly), 4,914,088 (Glonek), 5,075,104 (Gresselet al.) and 5,294,607 (Glonek et al.).

United States Patents directed to the use of ocular inserts in thetreatment of dry eye include U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,759 (Urquhart). Othersemi-solid therapy has included the administration of carrageenans (U.S.Pat. No. 5,403,841, Lang) which gel upon contact with naturallyoccurring tear film.

Another recent approach involves the provision of lubricating substancesin lieu of artificial tears. U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,537 (Guo) discloses theuse of a lubricating, liposome-based composition.

Aside from the above efforts, which are directed primarily to thealleviation of symptoms associated with dry eye, methods andcompositions directed to treatment of the dry eye condition have alsobeen pursued. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,434 (Lubkin) disclosesthe use of sex steroids, such as conjugated estrogens, to treat dry eyecondition in post-menopausal women; U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,572 (MacKeen)discloses the use of finely divided calcium ion compositions tostimulate preocular tear film; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,773 (Gressel etal.) discloses the use of microfine particles of one or more retinoidsfor ocular tissue normalization.

Although these approaches have met with some success, problems in thetreatment of dry eye nevertheless remain. The use of tear substitutes,while temporarily effective, generally requires repeated applicationover the course of a patient's waking hours. It is not uncommon for apatient to have to apply artificial tear solution ten to twenty timesover the course of the day. Such an undertaking is not only cumbersomeand time consuming, but is also potentially very expensive.

The use of ocular inserts is also problematic. Aside from cost, they areoften unwieldy and uncomfortable. Further, as foreign bodies introducedin the eye, they can be a source of contamination leading to infections.In situations where the insert does not itself produce and deliver atear film, artificial tears must still be delivered on a regular andfrequent basis.

In view of the foregoing, there is a clear need for an effectivetreatment for dry eye that is capable of alleviating symptoms, as wellas treating the underlying physical and physiological deficiencies ofdry eye, and that is both convenient and inexpensive to administer.

Mucins are proteins that are heavily glycosylated with glucosamine-basedmoieties. Mucins provide protective and lubricating effects toepithelial cells, especially those of mucosal membranes. Mucins havebeen shown to be secreted by vesicles and discharged on the surface ofthe conjunctival epithelium of human eyes (Greiner et al., MucusSecretory Vesicles in Conjunctival Epithelial Cells of Wearers ofContact Lenses, Archives of Ophthalmology, volume 98, pages 1843-1846(1980); and Dilly et al., Surface Changes in the Anaesthetic Conjunctivain Man, with Special Reference to the Production of Mucus from aNon-Goblet-Cell Source, British Journal of Ophthalmolog, volume 65,pages 833-842 (1981)). A number of human-derived mucins which reside inthe apical and subapical corneal epithelium have been discovered andcloned (Watanabe et al., Human Corneal and conjunctival EpitheliaProduce a Mucin-Like Glycoprotein for the Apical Surface, InvestigativeOphthalmology and Visual Science, volume 36, number 2, pages 337-344(1995)). Recently, Watanabe discovered a new mucin which is secreted viathe cornea apical and subapical cells as well as the conjunctivalepithelium of the human eye (Watanabe et al., IOVS, volume 36, number 2,pages 337-344 (1995)). These mucins provide lubrication, andadditionally attract and hold moisture and sebaceous material forlubrication and the corneal refraction of light.

Mucins are also produced and secreted in other parts of the bodyincluding lung airway passages, and more specifically from goblet cellsinterspersed among tracheal/bronchial epithelial cells. Certainarachidonic acid metabolites have been shown to stimulate mucinproduction in these cells. Yanni reported the increased secretion ofmucosal glycoproteins in rat lung by hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid(“HETE”) derivatives (Yanni et al, Effect of Intravenously AdministeredLipoxygenase Metabolites on Rat Tracheal Mucous Gel Layer Thickness,International Archives of Allergy And Applied Immunology, volume 90,pages 307-309 (1989)). Similarly, Marom has reported the production ofmucosal glycoproteins in human lung by HETE derivatives (Marom et al.,Human Airway Monohydroxy-eicosatetraenoic Acid Generation and MucusRelease, Journal of Clinical Investigation, volume 72, pages 122-127(1983)). Nowhere in the art, however, has the use of HETE derivativesbeen proposed to stimulate mucin production in ocular tissues as atreatment for dry eye.

The conventional treatment for dry eye, as discussed above, includesadministration of artificial tears to the eye several times a day. Otheragents claimed for increasing ocular mucin and/or tear productioninclude vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (Dartt et. al., Vasoactiveintestinal peptide-stimulated glycoconjugate secretion from conjunctivalgoblet cells. Experimental Eye Research, 63:27-34, (1996)) , gefarnate(Nakmura et. al., Gefarnate stimulates secretion of mucin-likeglycoproteins by corneal epithelium in vitro and protects cornealepithelium from desiccation in vivo, Experimental Eye Research,65:569-574 (1997)), and the use of liposomes (U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,537),androgens (U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,921), melanocyte stimulating hormones(U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,154), and phosphodiesterase inhibitors (U.S. Pat.No. 4,753,945), retinoids (U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,265). However, many ofthese compounds or treatments suffer from a lack of specificity,efficacy and potency and none of these agents have been marketed so faras therapeutically useful products to treat dry eye and related ocularsurface diseases. Of particular relevance to the present invention isthe claimed use of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid derivatives to treat dryeye (U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,166). Thus, there remains a need for anefficacious therapy for the treatment of dry eye and related diseases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for thetreatment of dry eye and other disorders requiring the wetting of theeye. More specifically, the present invention discloses analogs of(5Z,8Z,11Z,13E)-15-hydroxyeicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoic acid (15-HETE) andmethods using the same for treating dry eye type disorders. Thecompositions are administered topically to the eye for the treatment ofdry eye.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has now been discovered that certain 15-HETE analogs are useful intreating dry eye or other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye. Itis believed that such analogs stimulate mucin production in humanconjunctival epithelium. These compounds are of formula I:

n-C₅H₁₁—Y—A—CH₂—R¹  I

wherein:

R¹ is CO₂R, CONR²R³, CH₂OR⁴, CH₂NR⁵R⁶, CH₂N₃, CH₂Hal, CH₂NO₂, CH₂SR²⁰,COSR²¹, or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, where:

R is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or CO₂R forms apharmaceutically acceptable ester moiety;

NR²R^(3,) NR⁵R⁶ are the same or different and comprise a free orfunctionally modified amino group;

OR⁴ comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group;

Hal is F, Cl, Br, or I;

R²⁰ is H, alkyl, acyl;

R²¹ is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or COSR²¹ forms apharmaceutically acceptable thioester moiety;

A is L₁—A₁—L₂, L₁—A₂—L₂, L₃—A₂—L₄, or L₅—A₂—L₃;

A₁ is CH₂CH₂;

A₂ is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D;

B and D are the same or different and are CH₂CH₂, CH═CH, or C≡C;

L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂;

K is CH₂CH₂, CH═CH, or C≡C;

L₃ is CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═CH, CH₂C≡C, CH═CHCH₂, C≡CCH₂, or CH═C≡CH;

L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂;

X is CH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡CCH₂,CH═CHCH₂CH₂, C≡CCH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═C═CH, or CH═C═CHCH₂;

L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D; and

Y is C(O) (i.e. a carbonyl group) or Y is

wherein R⁹O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group.

Except for those compounds of formula I with A₁═CH₂CH₂, all of thecompounds of the present invention are believed to be novel.

The compounds of formula I may also be incorporated into phospholipidsas glyceryl esters or sphingomyelin amides. Phospholipid sphingomyelinamides of the compounds of formula I will typically comprise a formula Icompound amidated via its carbon 1 carboxylate to the amino group of thesphingomyelin backbone. The phospholipid formula I esters will comprisevarious phospholipids. Phospholipid esters of the compounds of formula Iwill typically comprise a formula I compound esterified via its carbon 1carboxylate to the sn-1 or sn-2 position alcohol, or both, of theglycerol backbone of the phospholipid. If the sn-1 or sn-2 position ofthe glyceryl ester class does not contain an ester of a compound offormula I, then such carbon positions of the glycerol backbone willcomprise a methylene, ether or ester moiety linked to a substituted orunsubstituted C₁₂₋₃₀ alkyl or alkenyl (the alkenyl group containing oneor more double bonds); alkyl(cycloalkyl)alkyl; alkyl(cycloalkyl);alkyl(heteroaryl); alkyl(heteroaryl)alkyl; or alkyl-M—Q; wherein thesubstitution is alkyl, halo, hydroxy, or functionally modified hydroxy;M is O or S; and Q is H, alkyl, alkyl(cycloalkyl)alkyl,alkyl(cycloalkyl), alkyl(heteroaryl) or alkyl(heteroaryl)alkyl. However,at least one of the sn-1 or sn-2 position alcohols of the glycerolbackbone must form an ester with a compound of formula I via the carbon1 carboxylate of the latter. Preferred phospholipid-formula I) esterswill be of the phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine,phosphatidylserine, and phospatidylinositol type. The most preferredphospholipid-formula I esters will comprise a formula I compoundesterified via its carbon 1 carboxylate to the alcohol at the sn-2position of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine orphosphatidylinositol. The phospholipid-formula I esters andsphingomyelin amides may be synthesized using various phospholipidsynthetic methods known in the art; see for example, Tsai et al.,Biochemistry, volume 27, page 4619 (1988); and Dennis et al.,Biochemistry, volume 32, page 10185 (1993).

Included within the scope of the present invention are the individualenantiomers of the title compounds, as well as their racemic andnon-racemic mixtures. The individual enantiomers can beenantioselectively synthesized from the appropriate enantiomericallypure or enriched starting material by means such as those describedbelow. Alternatively, they may be enantioselectively synthesized fromracemic/non-racemic or achiral starting materials. (AsymmetricSynthesis; J. D. Morrison and J. W. Scott, Eds.; Academic PressPublishers: New York, 1983-1985, volumes 1-5; Principles of AsymmetricSynthesis; R. E. Gawley and J. Aube, Eds.; Elsevier Publishers:Amsterdam, 1996). They may also be isolated from racemic and non-racemicmixtures by a number of known methods, e.g. by purification of a sampleby chiral HPLC (A Practical Guide to Chiral Separations by HPLC; G.Subramanian, Ed.; VCH Publishers: New York, 1994; Chiral Separations byHPLC; A. M. Krstulovic, Ed.; Ellis Horwood Ltd. Publishers, 1989), or byenantioselective hydrolysis of a carboxylic acid ester sample by anenzyme (Ohno, M.; Otsuka, M. Organic Reactions, volume 37, page 1(1989)). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that racemic andnon-racemic mixtures may be obtained by several means, including withoutlimitation, nonenantioselective synthesis, partial resolution, or evenmixing samples having different enantiomeric ratios. Departures may bemade from such details within the scope of the accompanying claimswithout departing from the principles of the invention and withoutsacrificing its advantages. Also included within the scope of thepresent invention are the individual isomers substantially free of theirrespective enantiomers.

As used herein, the terms “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” and“pharmaceutically acceptable ester” means any salt or ester,respectively, that would be suitable for therapeutic administration to apatient by any conventional means without significant deleterious healthconsequences; and “ophthalmically acceptable salt” and “ophthalmicallyacceptable ester” means any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester,respectively, that would be suitable for ophthalmic application, i.e.non-toxic and non-irritating.

The term “free hydroxy group” means an OH. The term “functionallymodified hydroxy group” means an OH which has been functionalized toform: an ether, in which an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkynyl, or heteroaryl groupis substituted for the hydrogen; an ester, in which an acyl group issubstituted for the hydrogen; a carbamate, in which an aminocarbonylgroup is substituted for the hydrogen; or a carbonate, in which anaryloxy-, heteroaryloxy-, alkoxy-, cycloalkoxy-, heterocycloalkoxy-,alkenyloxy-, cycloalkenyloxy-, heterocycloalkenyloxy-, oralkynyloxy-carbonyl group is substituted for the hydrogen. Preferredmoieties include OH, OCH₂C(O)CH₃,OCH₂C(O)C₂H₅, OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃, OC(O)CH₃,and OC(O)C₂H₅.

The term “free amino group” means an NH₂. The term “functionallymodified amino group” means an NH₂ which has been functionalized toform: an aryloxy-, heteroaryloxy-, alkoxy-, cycloalkoxy-,heterocycloalkoxy-, alkenyl-, cycloalkenyl-, heterocycloalkenyl-,alkynyl-, or hydroxy-amino group, wherein the appropriate group issubstituted for one of the hydrogens; an aryl-, heteroaryl-, alkyl-,cycloalkyl-, heterocycloalkyl-, alkenyl-, cycloalkenyl-,heterocycloalkenyl-, or alkynyl-amino group, wherein the appropriategroup is substituted for one or both of the hydrogens; an amide, inwhich an acyl group is substituted for one of the hydrogens; acarbamate, in which an aryloxy-, heteroaryloxy-, alkoxy-, cycloalkoxy-,heterocycloalkoxy-, alkenyl-, cycloalkenyl-, heterocycloalkenyl-, oralkynyl-carbonyl group is substituted for one of the hydrogens; or aurea, in which an aminocarbonyl group is substituted for one of thehydrogens. Combinations of these substitution patterns, for example anNH₂ in which one of the hydrogens is replaced by an alkyl group and theother hydrogen is replaced by an alkoxycarbonyl group, also fall underthe definition of a functionally modified amino group and are includedwithin the scope of the present invention. Preferred moieties includeNH₂, NHCH₃, NHC₂H₅, N(CH₃)₂, NHC(O)CH₃, NHOH, and NH(OCH₃).

The term “free thiol group” means an SH. The term “functionally modifiedthiol group” means an SH which has been functionalized to form: athioether, where an alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl,cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkynyl, or heteroaryl group issubstituted for the hydrogen; or a thioester, in which an acyl group issubstituted for the hydrogen. Preferred moieties include SH, SC(O)CH₃,SCH₃, SC₂H₅, SCH₂C(O)C₂H₅, and SCH₂C(O)CH₃.

The term “acyl” represents a group that is linked by a carbon atom thathas a double bond to an oxygen atom and a single bond to another carbonatom.

The term “alkyl” includes straight or branched chain aliphatichydrocarbon groups that are saturated and have 1 to 15 carbon atoms. Thealkyl groups may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, such asoxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, and may be substituted with other groups,such as halogen, hydroxyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aryloxy, or alkoxy.Preferred straight or branched alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl,propyl, isopropyl, butyl and t-butyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” includes straight or branched chain, saturated orunsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups which connect to form one ormore rings, which can be fused or isolated. The rings may be substitutedwith other groups, such as halogen, hydroxyl, aryl, aryloxy, alkoxy, orlower alkyl. Preferred cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

The term “heterocycloalkyl” refers to cycloalkyl rings that contain atleast one heteroatom such as 0, S, or N in the ring, and can be fused orisolated. The rings may be substituted with other groups, such ashalogen, hydroxyl, aryl, aryloxy, alkoxy, or lower alkyl. Preferredheterocycloalkyl groups include pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl,piperazinyl, and tetrahydropyranyl.

The term “alkenyl” includes straight or branched chain hydrocarbongroups having 1 to 15 carbon atoms with at least one carbon—carbondouble bond, the chain being optionally interrupted by one or moreheteroatoms. The chain hydrogens may be substituted with other groups,such as halogen. Preferred straight or branched alkeny groups include,allyl, 1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl and 4-pentenyl.

The term “cycloalkenyl” includes straight or branched chain, saturatedor unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups which connect to form one ormore non-aromatic rings containing a carbon—carbon double bond, whichcan be fused or isolated. The rings may be substituted with othergroups, such as halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, or lower alkyl. Preferredcycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl and cyclohexenyl.

The term “heterocycloalkenyl” refers to cycloalkenyl rings which containone or more heteroatoms such as O, N, or S in the ring, and can be fusedor isolated. The rings may be substituted with other groups, such ashalogen, hydroxyl, aryl, aryloxy, alkoxy, or lower alkyl. Preferredheterocycloalkenyl groups include pyrrolidinyl, dihydropyranyl, anddihydrofuranyl.

The term “carbonyl group” represents a carbon atom double bonded to anoxygen atom, wherein the carbon atom has two free valencies.

The term “aminocarbonyl” represents a free or functionally modifiedamino group bonded from its nitrogen atom to the carbon atom of acarbonyl group, the carbonyl group itself being bonded to another atomthrough its carbon atom.

The term “lower alkyl” represents alkyl groups containing one to sixcarbons (C₁-C₆).

The term “halogen” represents fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

The term “aryl” refers to carbon-based rings which are aromatic. Therings may be isolated, such as phenyl, or fused, such as naphthyl. Thering hydrogens may be substituted with other groups, such as loweralkyl, halogen, free or functionalized hydroxy, trihalomethyl, etc.Preferred aryl groups include phenyl, 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl,3-chlorophenyl, and 4-fluorophenyl.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to aromatic hydrocarbon rings which containat least one heteroatom such as O, S, or N in the ring. Heteroaryl ringsmay be isolated, with 5 to 6 ring atoms, or fused, with 8 to 10 atoms.The heteroaryl ring(s) hydrogens or heteroatoms with open valency may besubstituted with other groups, such as lower alkyl or halogen. Examplesof heteroaryl groups include imidazole, pyridine, indole, quinoline,furan, thiophene, pyrrole, tetrahydroquinoline, dihydrobenzofuran, anddihydrobenzindole.

The terms “aryloxy”, “heteroaryloxy”, “alkoxy”, “cycloalkoxy”,“heterocycloalkoxy”, “alkenyloxy”, “cycloalkenyloxy”,“heterocycloalkenyloxy”, and “alkynyloxy” represent an aryl, heteroaryl,alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl,heterocycloalkenyl, or alkynyl group attached through an oxygen linkage.

The terms “alkoxycarbonyl”, “aryloxycarbonyl”, “heteroaryloxycarbonyl”,“cycloalkoxycarbonyl”, “heterocycloalkoxycarbonyl”,“alkenyloxycarbonyl”, “cycloalkenyloxycarbonyl”,“heterocycloalkenyloxycarbonyl”, and “alkynyloxycarbonyl” represent analkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, cycloalkoxy, heterocycloalkoxy,alkenyloxy, cycloalkenyloxy, heterocycloalkenyloxy, or alkynyloxy groupbonded from its oxygen atom to the carbon of a carbonyl group, thecarbonyl group itself being bonded to another atom through its carbonatom.

Preferred compounds of the present invention include those of formula I,wherein:

R¹ is CO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt,or CO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety;

A is L₁—A₁—L₂ or L—A₂—L₂;

A₁ is CH₂CH₂;

A₂ is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D;

L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂;

B is C≡C or cis-CH═CH and D is C≡C or trans-CH═CH;

K is cis-CH═CH; and

Y is

Other preferred compounds of the present invention include those offormula I, wherein:

R¹ is CO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt,or CO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety;

A is L₃—A₂—L₄;

A₂ is

L₃ is trans-CH₂CH═CH, trans-CH═CHCH₂, or CH₂C≡C;

L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂;

X is cis-CH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, cis-CH₂CH═CHCH₂, or cis CH═CHCH₂CH₂;

Y is

Still other preferred compounds of the present invention include thoseof formula I, wherein:

R¹ is CO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt,or CO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety;

A is L₅—A₂—L₃;

A₂ is

L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D;

L₃ is cis-CH₂CH═CH, cis-CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡C, or CH₂CH₂CH₂;

B is cis-CH═CH or C≡C;

D is trans-CH═CH or C≡C; and

Y is

Among the especially preferred of the foregoing compounds are thosewhose preparations are detailed in the following examples 1-19.

EXAMPLE 1

Compound 1

Treatment of 1,6-hexanediol (10) with 0.9 equivalents oft-butylchlorodiphenylsilane (TBDPSCl) in the presence of imidazole and4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) affordsmonosilyl ether 11, which is oxidized with stoichiometricN-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMO) in the presence of a catalytic amountof tetra-n-propylammonium perruthenate (TPAP) to provide aldehyde 12.Dibromoolefination of 12 using CBr₄ and PPh₃ gives 13. Conversion of 13to enynol 15 is accomplished in two steps: first, treatment of 13 with 1equivalent of Bu₃SnH in toluene in the presence of a catalytic amount ofPd(PPh₃)₄ to afford the corresponding cis-vinyl bromide, followed byaddition of CuI, HNEt₂, and chiral enantiopure propargyl alcohol 14 [forthe preparation of 14, see: Midland et. al., Tetrahedron, 40:1371(1984), which by this reference is incorporated herein]. Reduction of 15with Na[H₂Al(OCH₂CH₂OCH₃)₂] affords diene 16, which is treated with3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (DHP) and a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonicacid monohydrate (TsOH) to give ether 17. Desilylation of 17 withtetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) yields alcohol 18, which isoxidized with TPAP/NMO to provide aldehyde 19. Condensation of 19 withPh₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in the presence of KOBu^(t), followed by treatment ofthe resultant eneacid with pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (PPTS) in warmmethanol, affords 1.

EXAMPLE 2

Compounds 2α and 2β

Monosilylation of (2Z)-2-buten-1,4-diol (20) with TBDPSCl provides silylether 21, which is reacted with diiodomethane and diethylzinc to affordcyclopropane 22. Sequential reaction with mesyl chloride and NaCNprovides nitrile 23. 23 is reduced with diisobutylaluminum hydride(DIBAL-H) at low temperature, and the intermediate imine is hydrolyzedwith aqueous acetic acid to afford aldehyde 24. Condensation of 24 withCBr₄ and PPh₃ gives dibromoolefin 25. Monoreduction of 25 usingstoichiometric Bu₃SnH and catalytic Pd(PPh₃)₄ affords an intermediateZ-vinyl bromide, which in the same pot is reacted 1-octyn-3-ol(commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wis.) inthe presence of CuI and diethylamine to provide enyne 27. Reduction of27 with sodium bis(2-methoxyethyoxy)aluminum hydride yields Z, E-dienylalcohol 28, which is converted THP ether 29 using DHP and TsOH.Desilylation of 29 with TBAF affords alcohol 30, which is extended tocyanide 31 by sequential treatment with mesyl chloride and NaCN.Conversion to aldehyde 32 effected by reduction with DIBAL-H at −78° C.,followed by hydrolysis of the resulting metalloenamine with aqueousacetic acid at 0° C. Wittig condensation with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in thepresence of KOBu^(t), followed by deprotection of the resultant eneacidwith PPTS in MeOH, yields 2α and 2β after separation of the two C-15diastereomers using silica gel chromatography.

EXAMPLE 3

Compounds 3α and 3β

Treatment of trans-β-hydromuconic acid (33) with diethyl zinc anddiiodomethane affords cyclopropane 34, which is reduced to diol 35 withLiAlH₄. Monosilylation with TBDPSCl provides silyl ether 36, which isoxidized to aldehyde 37 using TPAP/NMO. Reaction of 37 with CBr₄ andPPh₃ gives dibromoolefin 38, which is converted to Z-vinyl bromide 39using stoichiometric Bu₃SnH in the presence of catalytic Pd(PPh₃)₄.Sonogishira coupling of 39 with 1-octyn-3-ol in the presence of CuI,Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂, and HNEt₂ yields enyne 40, which is reduced to thecorresponding E-allyl alcohol 41 with Na[H₂Al(CH₂CH₂OCH₃)₂]. Treatmentof 41 with DHP and TsOH affords THP ether 42, which is desilylated toalcohol 43 with TBAF in THF. Oxidation of 43 to aldehyde 44 is achievedusing TPAP/NMO. This aldehyde is reacted with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in thepresence of KOBu^(t), and the intermediate eneacid is deprotected withPPTS in MeOH to afford targets 3α and 3β after separation of the twoC-15 diastereomers using silica gel chromatography.

EXAMPLE 4

Compound 4

Alcohol 15 is protected as its THP ether 45 by treatment with DHP andTsOH. Desilylation of 45 with TBAF in THF provides alcohol 46, which isoxidized to aldehyde 47 with TPAP and NMO. Wittig reaction of 47 withPh₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in the presence of KOBu^(t) affords an intermediateeneacid, which is deprotected to 4 using PPTS in MeOH.

EXAMPLE 5

Compounds 5α and 5β

Treatment of enynol 27 with DHP and TsOH affords THP ether 48, which isdesilylated using TBAF in THF to afford alcohol 49. Sequential treatmentof 49 with mesyl chloride and then NaCN provides nitrile 50, which isreduced to aldehyde 51 by reaction with DIBAL-H at −78° C. and aceticacid at 0° C. Wittig condensation of 51 with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in thepresence of KOBu^(t), followed by treatment of the intemediate eneacidwith PPTS in MeOH, gives 5α and 5β after separation of the two C-15diastereomers using silica gel chromatography.

EXAMPLE 6

Compounds 6α and 6β

Reaction of enynol 40 with DHP and TsOH affords THP ether 52, which isdesilylated using TBAF in THF to afford alcohol 53. Oxidation of 53using TPAP and NMO provides aldehyde 54, which undergoes Wittigcondensation with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br/KOBu^(t) and deprotection with PPTSin MeOH to give compounds 6α and 6β after separation of the two C-15diastereomers using silica gel chromatography.

EXAMPLE 7

Compound 7

Treatment of dibromoolefin 13 with n-BuLi and N,N-dimethylformamideaffords ynal 55, which is condensed with dimethyl(2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate in the presence of NEt₃ and LiCl to provideenone 56. 56 is reduced to 15S-alcohol 57 by treatment with NaBH₄ andCeCl₃, followed by separation of the resulting racemic mixture usingHPLC with a chiral stationary phase. Treatment of 57 with DHP and TsOHgives THP ether 58, which is desilylated with TBAF in THF to yieldalcohol 59. Oxidation of 59 with TPAP and NMO affords aldehyde 60. 60 istreated with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in the presence of KOBu^(t), followed byPPTS in MeOH, to give 7.

EXAMPLE 8

Compounds 8α and 8β

Treatment of dibromoolefin 25 with n-BuLi and N,N-dimethylformamideaffords ynal 61, which is condensed with dimethyl(2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate in the presence of NEt₃ and LiCl to provideenone 62. 62 is reduced to 15R,S-alcohol 63 by treatment with NaBH₄ andCeCl₃. Treatment of 63 with DHP and TsOH gives THP ether 64, which isdesilylated with TBAF in THF to yield alcohol 65. Sequential treatmentof 65 with mesyl chloride and then NaCN affords nitrile 66. 66 isconverted to aldehyde 67 by reduction with DIBAL-H at −78° C., followedby hydrolysis acetic acid at 0° C. 67 is treated with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Brin the presence of KOBu^(t), followed by PPTS in MeOH, to give targets8α and 8β after separation of the two C-15 diastereomers using silicagel chromatography.

EXAMPLE 9

Compounds 9α and 9β

Treatment of dibromoolefin 38 with n-BuLi and N,N-dimethylformamideaffords ynal 68, which is condensed with dimethyl(2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate in the presence of NEt₃ and LiCl to provideenone 69. 69 is reduced to 15R,S-alcohol 70 by treatment with NaBH₄ andCeCl₃. Treatment of 70 with DHP and TsOH gives THP ether 71, which isdesilylated with TBAF in THF to yield alcohol 72. Sequential treatmentof 72 with mesyl chloride and then NaCN affords nitrile 73. 73 isconverted to aldehyde 74 by reduction with DIBAL-H at −78° C., followedby hydrolysis acetic acid at 0° C. 74 is treated with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Brin the presence of KOBu^(t), followed by PPTS in MeOH, to give compounds9α and 9β after separation of the two C-15 diastereomers using silicagel chromatography.

EXAMPLE 10

Compounds 75 and 76

Reduction of commercially available dihydropyranone 82 withdiisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) affords lactol 83, which iscyclopropanated with CH₂I₂/Et₂Zn to provide 84. 84 is condensed withPh₃P═CHCO₂CH₃ to yield enoate 85, which is reduced under 1 atmosphere ofhydrogen using Rhodium on Alumina catalyst to give 86. 86 is convertedto aldehyde 87 by reduction with DIBAL-H. Condensation of 87 withPh₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in the presence of potassium t-butoxide (KOBu^(t)),followed by treatment of the intermediate acid with diazomethane,provides olefin 88. Oxidation of 88 using catalytictetra-n-propylammonium perruthenate (TPAP) and stoichiometricN-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMO) gives aldehyde 89, which is condensedwith dimethyl (2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate in the presence of NEt₃ and LiClto provide enone 90. Treatment of 90 with NaBH₄ in the presence of CeCl₃affords a mixture of two stereoisomeric alcohols, 91 and 92, which areseparated using silica gel chromatography. Treatment of the thusseparated samples of 91 and 92 with KOH in MeOH/water affords thecorresponding acids 75 and 76.

EXAMPLE 11

Compounds 77 and 78

Reaction of lactol 84 with Ph₃P⁺CH₂OCH₃Cl⁻ in the presence of KOBu^(t)affords enol ether 93, which is oxidized using TPAP/NMO to affordaldehyde 94. Corey-Fuchs reaction of 94 with CBr₄, PPh₃, and Zn providesdibromoolefin 95, sequential treatment of which with n-BuLi, MgBr₂, andhexanal gives propargyl alcohol 96. Treatment of 96 witht-butylchlorodiphenylsilane (TBDPSCl) and imidazole in the presence ofcatalytic 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) yields silyl ether 97, whichis treated with TsOH in hot THF/water to provide alcohol 98. Wittigcondensation of 98 with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in the presence of KOBu^(t)affords acid 99, which is esterified using diazomethane to provide enyne100. Treatment of 100 with tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in THF,followed by chromatographic purification, gives the individualdiastereomers 100 and 101. These are converted to their respective freeacids 77 and 78 by treatment with KOH in MeOH/water.

EXAMPLE 12

Compounds 79 and 80

Treatment of trans-β-hydromuconic acid (103) with CH₂I₂/Et₂Zn affordscyclopropane 104, which is reduced to diol 105 with LiAlH₄. 105 ismonosilylated with TBDPSCl in the presence of imidazole and DMAP providesilyl ether 106, which is treated sequentially with MsCl in CH₂Cl₂ andthen NaCN in DMSO to give nitrile 107. 107 is converted to aldehyde 108by treatment with DIBAL-H at −78° C. followed by aqueous acetic acid at0° C. 108 is condensed with Ph₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in the presence ofKOBu^(t), followed by esterification of the intermediate acid withdiazomethane, to afford olefin 109. 109 is deprotected using TBAF in THFto give alcohol 119 which is oxidized using TPAP/NMO to yield aldehyde111. 111 is condensed with dimethyl (2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate in thepresence of LiCl and NEt₃ to give enone 112, which is reduced usingNaBH₄/CeCl₃ to provide the α and β allyl alcohol diastereomers 113 and114 after chromatographic purification. Saponification of each of theseesters using KOH in aqueous methanol affords the acids 79 and 80respectively.

EXAMPLE 13

Compounds 81 and 82

Alcohol 106 is oxidized using TPAP/NMO to give aldehyde 115, which iscondensed with CBr₄ in the presence of PPh₃ and Zn to afforddibromoolefin 116. Treatment of 116 successively with n-BuLi, thenMgBr₂, and finally hexanal affords ynol 117. 117 is protected as its THPether by treatment with DHP and TsOH to give 118. Desilylation of 118with TBAF in THF affords alcohol 119, which is treated sequentially withMsCl in CH₂Cl₂ and then NaCN in DMSO to yield nitrile 120. Reduction of120 with DIBAL-H at −78° C., followed by hydrolysis with aqueous aceticacid at 0° C., gives aldehyde 121. Condensation of 121 withPh₃P(CH₂)₄CO₂H Br in the presence of KOBu^(t), followed by treatment ofthe intermediate THP ether acid with pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate(PPTS) in warm methanol, affords the individual α and β propargylalcohol diastereomeric acids 81 and 82 after chromatographicpurification.

EXAMPLE 14

Compounds 122 and 123

Reduction of diacid 124 (for the preparation of 13, see: Neset et. al.,Tetrahedron 1997, 53,10459, which is incorporated herein by reference)with BH₃ affords diol 125, which is silylated with t-butyldiphenylsilylchloride (TBDPSCl) in the presence of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP)and imidazole to afford silyl ether 126. Treatment of 126 with I₂ andPPh₃ in toluene in the presence of imidazole affords iodide 127. 127 istreated sequentially with with t-butyllithium at −78° C., lithium(2-thienyl)cyanocuprate, and 1-butyl acrylate to afford the Michaeladduct 128 after quenching with aqueous acid. 128 is desilylated toalcohol 129 using tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in THF.Oxidation of 129 with catalytic tetra-n-propylammonium perrruthernate(TPAP) and stoichiometric N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) providesaldehyde 130, which is converted to enol ether 131 by Wittig reactionwith MeOCH═PPh₃. Hydrolysis of 131 using catalytic p-toluenesulfonicacid monohydrate (TsOH) in THF/water with heating affords homologatedaldehyde 132, which is converted to dibromoolefin 133 by condensationwith CBr₄ in the presence of PPh₃. Selective monoreduction of 133 withBu₃SnH in the presence of catalytic Pd(PPh₃)₄ gives Z-bromoalkene 134,which upon treatment with 1-octyn-3-ol, CuI, and catalytic PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂in HNEt₂ yields enynol 135. 135 is reduced with Na[H₂Al(OCH₂CH₂OCH₃)₂](Red-Al®) in toluene to provide diene diol 136, which is selectivelyoxidized to hydroxyaldehyde 137 using catalytic2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinoxyl free radical (TEMPO) and stoichiometricN-chlorosuccinimide (NCS). Oxidation of 137 with silver (II) oxide,followed by chromatographic separation of the allyl alcoholdiastereomers, affords the α isomer 122 and the β isomer 123.

EXAMPLE 15

Compounds 138 and 139

Saponification of ester 135 with LiOH in methanol/water, followed bychromatographic separation of the propargyl alcohol diastereomers,affords targets 138 and 139.

EXAMPLE 16

Compounds 144 and 145

Reduction of ester 133 with diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) affordsalcohol 140, which is treated with three equivalents of n-butyllithiumat −78° C. and then with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to provide ynal141. Homer-Emmons condensation of 141 with dimethyl(2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate in the presence of LiCl and NEt₃ gives ynenone142, which is oxidized to acid 143 using pyridinium dichromate (PDC) inDMF. Reduction of 143 using NaBH₄ in the presence of CeCl₃, followed bychromatographic separation of the two allyl alcohol diastereomers,affords compounds 144 and 145.

EXAMPLE 17

Compounds 160 and 161

Reduction of diacid 146 (Neset et. al., Tetrahedron 1997, 53, 10459)with BH₃•SMe₂ affords diol 147, which is silylated with TBDPSCl in thepresence of DMAP and imidazole to afford silyl ether 148. Treatment of148 with I₂ and PPh₃ in toluene in the presence of imidazole affordsiodide 149. 149 is treated sequentially with with t-butyllithium at −78°C., then lithium (2-thienyl)cyanocuprate, then t-butyl acrylate toafford the Michael adduct 150 after quenching with aqueous acid. 150 isdesilylated to alcohol 151 using TBAF in THF. Oxidation of 151 withcatalytic TPAP and stoichiometric NMO provides aldehyde 152, which isconverted to enol ether 153 by Wittig reaction with MeOCH═PPh₃.Hydrolysis of 153 using TsOH in THF/water with heating affordshomologated aldehyde 154, which is converted to dibromoolefin 155 bycondensation with CBr₄ in the presence of PPh₃. Selective monoreductionof 155 with Bu₃SnH in the presence of catalytic Pd(PPh₃)₄ givesZ-bromoalkene 156, which upon treatment with 1-octyn-3-ol, CuI, andcatalytic PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ in HNEt₂ yields enynol 157. 157 is reduced withRed-Al® in toluene to provide diene diol 158, which is selectivelyoxidized to hydroxyaldehyde 159 using TEMPO and stoichiometric NCS.Oxidation of 159 with silver (II) oxide, followed by chromatographicseparation of the allyl alcohol diastereomers, affords the α isomer 160and the β isomer 161.

EXAMPLE 18

Compounds 162 and 163

Ester 157 is treated with KOH in MeOH/water followed by chromatographicseparation of the propargyl alcohol diastereomers to afford targets 162and 163.

EXAMPLE 19

Compounds 168 and 169

Reduction of ester 155 with diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) affordsalcohol 164, which is treated with three equivalents of n-butyllithiumat −78° C. and then with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to provide ynal165. Homer-Emmons condensation of 165 with dimethyl(2-oxoheptyl)phosphonate in the presence of LiCl and NEt₃ gives ynenone166, which is oxidized to acid 167 using pyridinium dichromate (PDC) inDMF. Reduction of 167 using NaBH₄ in the presence of CeCl₃, followed bychromatographic separation of the two allyl alcohol diastereomers,affords compounds 168 and 169.

The compounds of the present invention may be contained in various typesof pharmaceutical compositions, in accordance with formulationtechniques known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, thesecompounds will be formulated in solutions for topical ophthalmicadministration.

The ophthalmic compositions of the present invention will include one ormore compounds of the present invention in a pharmaceutically acceptablevehicle. Various types of vehicles may be used. Aqueous solutions aregenerally preferred, based on ease of formulation, biologicalcompatibility, as well as a patient's ability to easily administer suchcompositions by means of instilling one to two drops of the solutions inthe affected eyes. However, the compounds of the present invention mayalso be readily incorporated into other types of compositions, such assuspensions, viscous or semi-viscous gels, or other types of solid orsemi-solid compositions. Suspensions may be preferred for thosecompounds of the present invention which are less soluble in water. Theophthalmic compositions of the present invention may also includevarious other ingredients, such as buffers, preservatives, co-solventsand viscosity building agents.

An appropriate buffer system (e.g., sodium phosphate, sodium acetate orsodium borate) may be added to prevent pH drift under storageconditions.

Antioxidants may be added to compositions of the present invention toprotect the active ingredients from oxidation during storage. Examplesof such antioxidants include vitamin E and analogs thereof, ascorbicacid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

Ophthalmic products are typically packaged in multidose form.Preservatives are thus required to prevent microbial contaminationduring use. Suitable preservatives include: benzalkonium chloride,thimerosal, chlorobutanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, phenylethylalcohol, edetate disodium, sorbic acid, polyquaternium-1, or otheragents known to those skilled in the art. Such preservatives aretypically employed at a level of from 0.001 to 1.0% weight/volume (“%w/v”).

In general, the doses used for the above described purposes will vary,but will be in an effective amount to increase mucin production in theeye and thus eliminate or improve dry eye conditions. As used herein,the term “pharmaceutically effective amount” refers to an amount whichimproves the dry eye condition in a human patient. When the compositionsare dosed topically, they will generally be in a concentration range offrom 0.001 to about 1.0% w/v, with 1-2 drops administered 1-4 times perday.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers toany vehicle which, when formulated, is safe, and provides theappropriate delivery for the desired route of administration of aneffective amount of at least one compound of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the ophthalmic compositions of the present inventionwill contain ethanol in addition to a compound of formula (I). As usedherein, “an effective concentration of ethanol” refers to aconcentration that enhances the biological efficacy of the formula (I)compositions in vivo. In general, the concentration of ethanol necessaryfor the enhancement of the compounds of formula (I) is believed to besomewhat proportional to the concentration of the formula (I)compound(s) administered. If a relatively high concentration of formula(I) compound(s), e.g., above 0.01% w/v, is administered, theconcentration of ethanol in such compositions may be proportionally lessthan analogous compositions containing lower concentrations of formula(I) compounds. In general, however, the ethanol concentration containedin the ophthalmic compositions of the present invention will range fromabout 0.001-2% w/v. Compositions containing formula (I) concentrationsof about 0.00001-0.02% w/v preferably will contain ethanol in aconcentration of about 0.005-0.2% w/v, and most preferably, about0.02-0.10% w/v. An example of a topically administrable ophthalmicformulation according to this embodiment of the present invention isprovided below.

EXAMPLE 20

Ingredient Amount (% w/v) Compound of formula (I) 0.00001-0.01 Ethanol0.0505 Polyoxyl 40 Stearate 0.1 Boric Acid 0.25 Sodium Chloride 0.75Disodium Edetate 0.01 Polyquaternium-1 0.001 NaOH/HCl q.s., pH = 7.5Purified Water q.s. 100%

The above composition is prepared by the following method. The batchquantities of polyoxyl 40 stearate, boric acid, sodium chloride,disodium edetate, and polyquaternium-1 are weighed and dissolved bystirring in 90% of the batch quantity of purified water. The pH isadjusted to 7.5±0.1 with NaOH and/or HCl. Under yellow light or reducedlighting, the batch quantity of a compound of formula (I) as a stocksolution in ethanol and the additional quantity of ethanol necessary forthe batch are measured and added. Purified water is added to q.s. to100%. The mixture is stirred for five minutes to homogenize and thenfiltered through a sterilizing filter membrane into a sterile recipient.

Preferably, the above process is performed using glass, plastic or othernon-metallic containers or containers lined with such materials.

The invention has been described by reference to certain preferredembodiments; however, it should be understood that it may be embodied inother specific forms or variations thereof without departing from itsspirit or essential characteristics. The embodiments described above aretherefore considered to be illustrative in all respects and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims rather than by the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for the treatment of dry eye inhumans comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and apharmaceutically effective amount of one or more compounds of thefollowing formula I: n-C₅H₁₁—Y—A—CH₂—R¹  I wherein: R¹ is CO₂R, CONR²R³,CH₂OR⁴, CH₂NR⁵R⁶, CH₂N₃, CH₂Hal, CH₂NO₂, CH₂SR²⁰, COSR²¹, or2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, where: R is H or a pharmaceutically acceptablecation, or CO₂R forms a pharmaceutically acceptable ester moiety; NR²R³,NR⁵R⁶ are the same or different and comprise a free or functionallymodified amino group; OR⁴ comprises a free or functionally modifiedhydroxy group; Hal is F, Cl, Br, or I; R²⁰ is H, alkyl, acyl; R²¹ is Hor a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or COSR²¹ forms apharmaceutically acceptable thioester moiety; A is L₁—A₁—L₂, L₁—A₂—L₂,L₃—A₂—L₄, or L₅—A₂—L₃; A₁ is CH₂CH₂; A₂is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D; B and D are the same or different and are CH₂CH₂, CH═CH,or C≡C; L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂; K is CH₂CH₂, CH═CH, or C≡C; L₃ is CH₂CH₂CH₂,CH₂CH═CH, CH₂C≡C, CH═CHCH₂, C≡CCH₂, or CH═C═CH; L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂; X isCH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡CCH₂,CH═CHCH₂CH₂, C≡CCH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═C═CH, or CH═C═CHCH₂; L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D; andY is C(O) (i.e. a carbonyl group) or Y is

wherein R⁹O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group.2. The composition of claim 1, wherein for the compound of formula I: R¹is CO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, orCO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety; A is L₁—A₁—L₂ orL₁—A₂—L₂; A₁ is CH₂CH₂; A₂ is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D; L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂; B is C≡C or cis-CH═CH and D is C≡C ortrans-CH═CH; K is cis-CH═CH; and Y is


3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of:


4. The composition of claim 1, wherein for the compound of formula I: R¹is CO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, orCO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety; A is L₃—A₂—L₄; A₂is

L₃ is trans-CH₂CH═CH, trans-CH═CHCH₂, or CH₂C≡C; L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂; X iscis-CH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, cis-CH₂CH═CHCH₂, or cis-CH═CHCH₂CH₂; and Yis


5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the compound of formula I isselected from the group consisting of:


6. The composition of claim 1, wherein for the compound of formula I: R¹is CO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, orCO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety; A is L₅—A₂—L₃; A₂is

L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D; L₃ is cis-CH₂CH═CH, cis-CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡C, orCH₂CH₂CH₂; B is cis-CH═CH or C≡C; D is trans-CH═CH or C≡C; and Y is


7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of:


8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is a suitable fortopical administration to the eye.
 9. A method for the treatment of dryeye or other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye in mammalscomprising administering to an affected eye, a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of one or more compounds according to formula I:n-C₅H₁₁—Y—A—CH₂—R¹  I wherein: R¹ is CO₂R, CONR²R³, CH₂OR⁴, CH₂NR⁵R⁶,CH₂N₃, CH₂Hal, CH₂NO₂, CH₂SR²⁰, COSR²¹, or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, where:R is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or CO₂R forms apharmaceutically acceptable ester moiety; NR²R³, NR⁵R⁶ are the same ordifferent and comprise a free or functionally modified amino group; OR⁴comprises a free or functionally modified hydroxy group; Hal is F, Cl,Br, or I; R²⁰ is H, alkyl, acyl; R²¹ is H or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable cation, or COSR²¹ forms a pharmaceutically acceptablethioester moiety; A is L₁—A₁—L₂, L₁—A₂—L₂, L₃—A₂—L₄, or L₅—A₂—L₃; A₁ isCH₂CH₂; A₂ is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D; B and D are the same or different and are CH₂CH₂, CH═CH,or C≡C; L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂; K is CH₂CH₂, CH═CH, or C≡C; L₃ is CH₂CH₂CH₂,CH₂CH═CH, CH₂C≡C, CH═CHCH₂, C≡CCH₂, or CH═C═CH; L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂; X isCH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡CCH₂,CH═CHCH₂CH₂, C≡CCH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═C═CH, or CH═C═CHCH₂; L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D; andY is C(O) (i.e. a carbonyl group) or Y is

wherein R⁹O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group.10. The method of claim 9, wherein the mammal is a human and thecompound is administered topically.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinfor the compound of formula I: R¹ is CO₂R, where R is H or anophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, or CO₂R forms an ophthalmicallyacceptable ester moiety; A is L₁—A₁—L₂ or L₁—A₂—L₂; A₁ is CH₂CH₂; A₂ is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D; L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂; B is C≡C or cis-CH═CH and D is C≡C ortrans-CH═CH; K is cis-CH═CH; and Y is


12. The method of claim 11, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of:


13. The method of claim 9, wherein for the compound of formula I: R¹ isCO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, orCO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety; A is L₃—A₂—L₄; A₂is

L₃ is trans-CH₂CH═CH, trans-CH═CHCH₂, or CH₂C≡C; L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂; X iscis-CH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, cis-CH₂CH═CHCH₂, or cis-CH═CHCH₂CH₂; and Yis


14. The method of claim 13, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of:


15. The method of claim 9, wherein for the compound of formula I: R¹ isCO₂R, where R is H or an ophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, orCO₂R forms an ophthalmically acceptable ester moiety; A is L₅—A₂—L₃; A₂is

L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D; L₃ is cis-CH₂CH═CH, cis-CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡C, or CH₂CH₂CH₂B is cis-CH═CH or C≡C; D is trans-CH═CH or C≡C; and Y is


16. The method of claim 15, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of:


17. The method of claim 9 wherein the dry eye and other disordersrequiring the wetting of the eye is symptoms of dry eye associated withrefractive surgery.
 18. A compound of formula I: n-C₅H₁₁—Y—A—CH₂—R¹  Iwherein: R¹ is CO₂R, CONR²R³, CH₂OR⁴, CH₂NR⁵R⁶, CH₂N₃, CH₂Hal, CH₂NO₂,CH₂SR²⁰, COSR²¹, or 2,3,4,5-tetrazol-1-yl, where: R is H or apharmaceutically acceptable cation, or CO₂R forms a pharmaceuticallyacceptable ester moiety; NR²R³, NR⁵R⁶ are the same or different andcomprise a free or functionally modified amino group; OR⁴ comprises afree or functionally modified hydroxy group; Hal is F, Cl, Br, or I; R²⁰is H, alkyl, acyl; R²¹ is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, orCOSR²¹ forms a pharmaceutically acceptable thioester moiety; A isL₁—A₂—L₂, L₃—A₂—L₄, or L₅—A₂—L₃; A₂ is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D; B and D are the same or different and are CH₂CH₂, CH═CH,or C≡C; L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂; K is CH₂CH₂, CH═CH, or C≡C; L₃ is CH₂CH₂CH₂,CH₂CH═CH, CH₂C≡C, CH═CHCH₂, C≡CCH₂, or CH═C═CH; L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂; X isCH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡CCH₂,CH═CHCH₂CH₂, C≡CCH₂CH₂, CH₂CH═C═CH, or CH═C═CHCH₂; L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D; andY is C(O) (i.e. a carbonyl group) or Y is

wherein R⁹O constitutes a free or functionally modified hydroxy group.19. The compound of claim 18, wherein: R¹ is CO₂R, where R is H or anophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, or CO₂R forms an ophthalmicallyacceptable ester moiety; A is L₁—A₂—L₂; A₂ is

L₁ is CH₂—B—D; L₂ is CH₂—K—CH₂CH₂; B is C≡C or cis-CH═CH and D is C≡C ortrans-CH═CH; K is cis-CH═CH; and Y is


20. The compound of claim 19, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of:


21. The compound of claim 18, wherein: R¹ is CO₂R, where R is H or anophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, or CO₂R forms an ophthalmicallyacceptable ester moiety; A is L₃—A₂—L₄; A₂ is

L₃ is trans-CH₂CH═CH, trans-CH═CHCH₂, or CH₂C≡C; L₄ is X—CH₂CH₂; X iscis-CH₂CH₂CH═CH, CH₂CH₂C≡C, cis-CH₂CH═CHCH₂, or cis-CH═CHCH₂CH₂; and Yis


22. The compound of claim 21, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of:


23. The compound of claim 18, wherein: R¹ is CO₂R, where R is H or anophthalmically acceptable cationic salt, or CO₂R forms an ophthalmicallyacceptable ester moiety; is A is L₅—A₂—L₃; A₂ is

L₅ is CH₂CH₂—B—D; L₃ is cis-CH₂CH═CH, cis-CH═CHCH₂, CH₂C≡C, orCH₂CH₂CH₂; B is cis-CH═CH or C≡C; D is trans-CH═CH or C≡C; and Y is


24. The compound of claim 23, wherein the compound is selected from thegroup consisting of: